Arsenal could reignite their pursuit of Ollie Watkins following a shocking transfer decision by Aston Villa. The Gunners submitted an opening bid earlier this week that was quickly rebuffed with the 27-year-old then playing an influential role in Villa’s huge 4-2 Champions League win against Celtic.
Since then, numerous twists and turns in this transfer saga have taken place with Villa confirming one exit and sanctioning a new signing. That departure was Jhon Duran’s move to Saudi Pro League side Al-Nassr that hinted Watkins would remain at Villa Park.
Unai Emery then seemingly confirmed that would be the case in a press conference. “Yes, he is happy to stay. We asked him how he is feeling and he is happy here,” Emery said when asked about Watkins’ future.
“The commitment of Watkins is really a huge commitment to defend Aston Villa. “He appreciates how Aston Villa was always supporting him and helping him. Also, when we joined two years ago, how we always tried to get the best of him.”
Fresh off making it clear he wants Watkins to stay, Villa have continued to be very active in January with Chelsea’s Joao Felix linked, but it was a different Premier League forward that became the focus for Emery. Following informal and direct talks, Marcus Rashford has agreed personal terms to join Villa on loan from Manchester United.
Barcelona and Borussia Dortmund had shown interest in signing Rashford throughout January but he now looks set to remain in England. Such a surprising development could have an impact on Watkins’ future in the Midlands and it could give Arsenal renewed confidence to launch a second offer.
Watkins remaining a Villa player for the remainder of the campaign is still more likely, with Emery naming him in the starting XI to face Wolves on Saturday evening, but the Rashford deal advancing may hand Arsenal the incentive needed to continue pushing for Watkins up until deadline day.
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